You can press and hold the left trigger at any time to activate Blade Mode, effectively turning the left analog stick into an analog control for directional swipes of your sword. Just beneath Raiden’s health bar is a fuel cell gauge that glows blue when full. Blade Mode And Strategic Dismembermentīlade Mode and using it to sever limbs or perform finishers is another initially tricky feature in Metal Gear Rising. Parrying isn’t foolproof, as you’re also dealing with occasionally unblockable attacks from your enemies, but mastering this skill is key to improving your survivability. Timing-based parry systems can be scary for those who don’t spend much time playing combo-heavy fighting games, but the barrier to entry here is actually lower than you might expect. The hope, however, is that you time your parry perfectly enough to initiate a counter, which often leaves your foe defenseless and susceptible to a finishing move (indicated when a button prompt appears on the screen). Do it early, and you’ll actually see Raiden raise up his sword as he prepares to block. To parry, you quickly flick the left stick in the direction of the attacking enemy while simultaneously performing a light attack. This is by far one of your most useful skills in the game, and it becomes downright essential once you start facing the late-game bosses. Instead you have a parry move that depends on good, but not necessarily perfect, timing. There isn’t a dedicated block button in Metal Gear Rising. You’ll only see that in retrospect, but hopefully this little getting started primer will prepare you for what’s to come. The good news is that the difficulty spike isn’t nearly as sharp as it seems to be. This is the make-or-break moment: you either get on board with the unusual flow of the combat mechanics, or you don’t. Most of those who pick it up for the first time play for a bit before they hit a wall. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a tricky game.